T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas

Inside The New Las Vegas Arena Playing Host To UFC 200

We won’t see Conor McGregor at UFC 200, but what many of us will see for the first time is a showcase of Las Vegas’ new stadium: T-Mobile Arena. Not only is it capable of housing the potential NHL team that’s (allegedly) coming to town, it’s able to hold bigger crowds — up to 20,000 — for UFC and other main events right on The Strip.

Of course, this being Las Vegas, T-Mobile Arena isn’t just your beer-and-nachos type of venue. The joint venture of MGM Resorts and AEG is the epitome of luxury, lavishness and cutting edge. We got a look inside, so here’s how Vegas does a sports and entertainment complex:

High-Speed, High-Tech

Dave Golokhov

T-Mobile Arena has gone to extreme lengths to make sure customers can get connected with ease. There are over 550 Wi-Fi connections ensuring that you can snap, tweet and get in the DM’s from anywhere. There are 650 screens and a 30-foot tall scoreboard, and you can open up the Arena concierge app to find your seats.

On the outside of the stadium is a massive 200-foot mesh LED screen, which means it still allows natural light in while those from the outside can still tune into the action.

Drinks

MGM

T-Mobile Arena is doing cocktails at a venue that can host up to 20,000 people. That’s not easy. The man behind the bar is renowned mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, who is helping execute one of the largest undertakings around in terms of the drink program. It’s quite impressive, as you can order a lot more than just a plain-old draft beer. They’ll have margaritas, mojitos and even a signature drink for the arena itself known as the Atomic Fizz.

Atomic Fizz

MGM

Atomic Fizz is T-Mobile Arena’s signature cocktail. Created by Abou-Ganim, it’s a blend of Grey Goose Le Citron, Aperol, agave nectar, prickly pear puree, lemon juice and sparkling water. It not only represents the identifiable T-Mobile colors with its vibrant magenta, its name is also a nod to the history of atomic bomb testing in the state of Nevada.

Ice Cubes

Mojito Cart

MGM

Suite-level patrons can wet their lips from a roving mojito cart, punch service or a DIY cocktails tray, which comes with all of the mixings along with an instructional video from Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim to guide you.

Poke Cart

MGM

Vegas does everything extravagantly, which includes the food inside T-Mobile Arena. Most of us are used to seeing hot dogs, nachos and popcorn at the concessions — and they’re there — but T-Mobile Arena is on another level. Example No. 1: a made-to-order Ahi Tuna Poke Bar. You’ll also find herb-roasted grilled sausage on a pretzel bun.

Shake Shack

Dave Golokhov

Most of us are used to run-of-the-mill burgers at stadiums but T-Mobile Arena has a Shake Shack. Now that’s winning. It’s not the first time Shake Shack has opened up in a stadium (Citi Field has had one since 2009) but it’s still pretty sweet to have their 100% natural, 100% delicious fast food in a sports arena.

Banh Mi Cart

Hyde Lounge

Dave Golokhov

Vegas doing Vegas means a swanky nightclub at the top of T-Mobile Arena. Hyde Lounge (which also has a location in the Bellagio) is an 18,000-square foot club that extends over the crowd and overlooks the arena. Not only is it a sweet spot to watch the events from, every person with a ticket to a T-Mobile Arena event gets access to the nightclub after the event. Hyde will be lit for UFC post-parties.

Luxury Suites

MGM

Ballers will have a blast in the luxury suites, which offer a home-style experience. From caviar, to live lobsters, to artisan cheeses to high-quality charcuterie, you’re going to truly feel like a VIP. And you can even order your drinks right off a tablet.

The Park

Dave Golokhov

Outside the stadium is The Park, a sprawling new pedestrian park on the Las Vegas strip. Located in between Monte Carlo and New York New York, it’s the entertainment district leading up to T-Mobile Arena. There are brand new restaurants lining the path to the arena. That includes Sake Rok, a fusion of a sushi joint, karaoke and dance parties; a very stylishly remodeled California Pizza Kitchen; and Beerhaus, a burgers-beers-buddies joint filled with gaming (ping pong, foosball, Jenga) while only using organic meat.

The Park is a cool spot to check out and will serve many who are pre- and post-gaming events at T-Mobile Arena.

Bliss Dance

Remember Bliss Dance, one of the stars of Burning Man 2010? Now she’s sure to be one of the attractions on the strip while she’s dancing in The Park.

In case you’re not familiar, it’s a sculpture created by Italian-born American artist Marco Cochrane. It depicts a singer and dancer, Deja Solis. The 40-foot tall statue is made of stainless steel mesh and LED lights, and she lights up the night with her changing colors.